Balayage is an increasingly popular technique used to give hair that natural-looking sun-kissed effect. An experienced colorist applies the technique freehand for maximum softness.

Ideal for women looking to lighten their locks without going through the full process of bleaching and foiling, it offers subtle highlights around your face for an enhanced flattering effect.

1. It’s Low Maintenance

If you’re looking to add pops of color without drastically altering your hair color, balayage may be an ideal way to do just that. Instead of opting for dramatic two-toned styles like ombre which darken at the roots while lighten at the ends, balayage uses free-form painting which creates more natural-looking effects.

Balayage requires less maintenance than highlights: depending on the condition and frequency of shampooing of your locks, balayage appointments may only need to be scheduled twice every year in order to keep strands looking their best.

Balayage can be even lower maintenance if you opt for face-framing babylights, which are subtle, finely woven pieces of color that only highlight the outer edges of your strands. Protective leave-in conditioner, sun protection and high quality hairspray may all help prolong its effects, and your stylist will discuss an individualized care regime during your consultation; in general though it’s wiser to opt for sulfate-free shampoos as much as possible to minimize dryness and keep color lasting as long as possible.

2. It’s Easy to Maintain

Due to being less obvious than foil highlights, balayage typically lasts longer between salon visits. This makes it an excellent solution for busy individuals looking for ways to achieve their desired look without frequent salon visits.

However, maintaining the look takes some maintenance in order to achieve a stunning, long-lasting result. Your stylist may suggest applying bond-rebuilder toner once each week as well as shampooing with sulfate-free formulas multiple times weekly in order to protect the dye job and avoid fading and brassiness. Doing this helps seal in the color and avoid premature fading.

Keep the sun at bay as much as possible to protect your balayage from UV damage and color fading, while heat protectant spray is crucial to protecting it from blow drying and heating tools. By following these steps you will create an effortless, natural-looking balayage look with lightness and airiness.

3. It’s Versatile

If you want a subtle way to brighten your face, ask your stylist to apply babylights–fine highlights designed to mimic natural strands of hair. Or for something richer, go with lowlights of two shades darker which blend in seamlessly into your base color.

Utilizing the freehand coloring technique, your stylist will apply various tints tailored specifically to match the complexion and face shape of each client. Choose from various looks ranging from shimmering bronzes and coppers that look equally beautiful on brunettes as they do on blondes.

Maintain your balayage by visiting a professional stylist every 6-8 weeks for touchups, and following a color-saving regimen at home. Use moisture shampoo and conditioner with heat protectant such as Shu Uemura’s Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil ($69), to extend and enhance its vibrancy and limit sun exposure which could fade your dye job faster than you realize.

4. It’s Easy to Wash

If you’re a brunette, mauve balayage can add subtle dimension that fades beautifully when worn faded. Just be sure to use a color-depositing shampoo like our Alchemic line of red and brown shampoos with pure pigments so as to maintain rich balayage shades.

Babylights, another method that uses miniature highlights to add dimension and emphasize natural movement in your locks, are another viable solution. Lighter than balayage techniques, babylights can help illuminate face-framing highlights or the whole head for extra brightness.

When having balayage done, ask your stylist to first trim and blow-dry each section before applying lightener, so they can focus on what needs to be lifted. After the lightener has been applied, avoid exposure to environmental aggressors like heat or UV rays that could cause your dye job to fade quickly; additionally it would be wise to treat yourself once every week with a nourishing hair mask to protect strands from becoming dry and crunchy.